(CNN) - Frank Lautenberg, the New Jersey Democrat who has served five terms in the U.S. Senate since 1982, will not seek re-election next year when his term expires, the senator said in a statement Thursday.

Lautenberg is 89 years old and returned to the Senate in mid-January after missing key votes over a weeks-long absence due to a cold which "turned into the flu, turned into a severe case of bronchitis with fluid in the chest," he said last month.Follow @politicalticker

He said in a statement that he would make the announcement in person on Friday in Paterson, New Jersey, his hometown.

"This is not the end of anything, but rather the beginning of a two-year mission to pass new gun safety laws, protect children from toxic chemicals, and create more opportunities for working families in New Jersey," he said in the statement. "While I may not be seeking re-election, there is plenty of work to do before the end of this term and I'm going to keep fighting as hard as ever for the people of New Jersey in the U.S. Senate."

In a statement released by the White House, President Barack Obama called Lautenberg "a steadfast champion of the people of New Jersey."

"Throughout his time in the Senate, Frank has fought tirelessly for workers, veterans, members of our military and their families, and immigrants, and he continues to make extraordinary contributions to our nation's safety, and the health and welfare of our citizens," he said. "His service in World War II is a testament to his character and deep commitment to public service. I look forward to working with Frank on critical issues before us these next two years, and Michelle and I wish him and Bonnie all the best."

Newark Mayor Cory Booker formed a Senate campaign committee last month to explore a run for the seat while a Quinnipiac University poll released around the same time found Booker would lead Lautenberg 51% to 30% in a head-to-head matchup. A new poll from Monmouth University indicated Booker with a 15 point advantage.

Booker's moves led to testy language between the two men and their staffs, though Booker also expressed his "love" for Lautenberg. Lautenberg said at the time he had no plans to retire.

Democratic Rep. Frank Pallone told CNN after Thursday's announcement, "I will say his not running [Lautenberg] changes the political landscape and I've always been interested in the Senate, and I'm going to continue to explore running."

He declined to comment on a potential primary match-up between he and Booker, saying "this is Senator Lautenberg's day." Pallone stressed that he and Lautenberg had a history of working together on several issues, including environmental programs, coastline protection and toxic waste cleanup.

The same Monmouth poll also indicated that if Lautenberg decided against running for re-election, 38% of Democrats said they should rally around with Booker, with 31% saying other candidates should get into the primary race.

Lautenberg becomes the fourth senator this year to announce that they won't run for re-election in 2014. Fellow Democratic senators Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia and Tom Harkin of Iowa last month announced they would retire from the Senate instead of making bids for re-election next year, as did Republican Saxby Chambliss of Georgia.

Other senators considered potential 2014 retirees are Democrats Carl Levin of Michigan and Tim Johnson of South Dakota, as well as Republicans Thad Cochran of Mississippi and Mike Enzi of Wyoming.

Lautenberg's seat is one of 21 around the country which Democrats are defending next year. They currently hold 53 votes in the chamber and two independent Senators regularly vote with the Democrats.

Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colorado and chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, wrote in a statement that he appreciated that "Lautenberg has made an early decision, giving us the time we need to get behind a strong Democratic candidate. We're confident that next November we will elect a new Democratic senator who will carry on Frank Lautenberg's proud tradition of fighting for New Jersey."

"I've been privileged to see firsthand Frank Lautenberg's incredible commitment to the people of New Jersey and the health and well being of all Americans," Bennet wrote. "He is a tireless and dedicated legislator and he will be greatly missed by his colleagues and constituents."

Lautenberg was first elected to the Senate in 1982 and was re-elected twice. He did not seek re-election in 2000 when his third term expired, but was recruited to run again two years later after Democratic Sen. Robert Torricelli quit his re-election bid weeks before the polls opened among charges of ethical issues. Lautenberg was then re-elected in 2008.

Lautenberg is the last remaining veteran of World War II to serve in the Senate and was a member of the United States Army Signal Corps from 1942-1946, according to his biography.

He currently serves on the powerful appropriations committee, as well as on the environment and commerce committees in the Senate.

Chris Christie, New Jersey's Republican governor, praised Lautenberg in a statement that also pointed out where they disagreed.

"Frank Lautenberg and I have had our differences through the years, but I've always respected him for his tenacity, devotion to the people of New Jersey and his love for and commitment to public service. I will always be grateful for his doggedness in fighting with me and the delegation to ensure congressional passage of an aid package after Hurricane Sandy that is delivering necessary assistance to our residents," said Christie.

soundoff(28 Responses)

eman2a

89???? Isn't 70 the mandatory retirement age?

February 14, 2013 05:38 pm at 5:38 pm |

eman2a

89??? Isn't 70 the MANDATORY retirement age???

February 14, 2013 05:41 pm at 5:41 pm |

rick from Texas

NJ maybe a cesspool as you say but it is not any better down hear in Texas politically unless your big business. then you got it made here in "bubba-politics" land. and let me appologize to the nation for having Ted Cruz in the senate....though I did not vote for him he is still an embarassment to this state.....and to this nation. I wish we had a Corey Booker as senator instead .He has proven he cares about the real people of his state....not those that chum up with big business to flock in here to feed of the sweat and toil of the average man for minimum wage, offer poor health care benefits and below par education so they (big business) can have low or no taxes.